They are followed by Etcetera, Etcetera; Marc Forgione; Landmarc; Kum Gang San; Russo’s on the Bay; and Macelleria. Each of these restaurants reduced its water consumption by at least five percent -- the goal of the water challenge.

Collectively, the eight restaurants saved nearly 2.6 million gallons of water, according to the release, which is just short of the DEP's 3-million-gallon reduction goal. The restaurants also saved an approximate total of $10,000 on their annual water and sewer bills.

Some of the other restaurants in the challenge dropped out or did not reach the 5 percent reduction goal, the DEP said.

The department worked with the restaurants to replace inefficient plumbing, quickly repair leaks and encourage customers to conserve water, according to the news release.

“By reducing their water use, the restaurants have achieved significant financial savings and have proven that New York City’s restaurants are not only world renowned for their delicious cuisine, but are also leaders in sustainability,” Lloyd said in the release.

The department has also worked with hotels, public, parks and other spaces to reduce water use in the city. It hopes to reduce citywide water use by five percent before repairment on the Delaware Aqueduct, which brings almost half of the city's water supply from reservoirs upstate. The repairs are expected to begin in 2022, according to the DEP.